Dark Star lands at The Mission
28th September 2010
The Mission Gallery in Swansea Marina is a lovely venue, but never more so than when a piece has been specifically designed for it.
Jonathan Anderson’s Dark Star occupies the whole room. At first the massive star appears as menacing presence that is trying to burst out and escape the confines of the space. The Mission windows are blocked up with concrete as if to prevent the escape.
The star is deep black with glittering coal dust and its mighty spikes radiate outward from a central dark core. People crowding in on the opening night seemed loath to walk through the small passage left between the walls and the star’s thrusting sharp points.
Yet it is perfectly balanced within the space and seems poised to take off like a dandelion seed bouncing in the breeze. Gradually we were drawn in to gaze up into the heart of the lovely shape and marvel at the confidence and the ambition of its maker.
Lynne Bebb and Carolyn Davies
The exhibition 'Dark Star' at the Mission Gallery runs untill November the 6th.
Address: Mission Gallery, Gloucester Place, Swansea, SA1 1TY
by Sean Puleston on October 21st, 2010